An older chicken lost her long time friend...what to do?

[hannakat]

A friend has a friend.... this is the situation.

They had chickens and a duck. Over time they had 1 chicken left and the duck. The duck and chicken had a very strong relationship to the point that the chicken would roost under the duck's wing at night.

Sadly, the duck died 4 months ago and now they have a lonely old chicken. They tried bringing in another hen who promptly beat up the older hen so they sent that chicken back where it came from.

They don't want a flock but I felt they need at least 2 others to avoid this situation from repeating itself too soon.

Questions:
Should they try:
young chickens?
old chickens?
an old rooster?

Guess they still want to keep the old gal but feel bad cause she's all alone. I feel bad too but don't know what to tell them.

All suggestions, ideas and recommendations appreciated!!!

 

[jeepguy982001]

i recently had a similar situation i had 1 grown hen and 2 new pullets i raised since day olds. I put the new ones in the coup with the run and the older one in a portable dog run i had maye 6x6, anyway they could see each other. After about 2 weeks when they were all the same size i brought the older hen back in with the younger ones. And figures crossed i haven't had any problems yet but maybe i just got lucky.

 

[azygous]

If it were me, I would get two eight-week old pullets. When chickens are that age, they have the utmost respect for adult hens, and maybe some fear. The way I introduce youngsters of that age is to move them into the coop early in the day, as soon after the adults have laid their eggs as possible. Close up the coop.

At roosting time, let the adult hen inside the coop. She probably won't have any reaction at all, and in the morning, they will all wake up together and it may seem to them it's been that way forever.

At least that's been my experience.

Some might say it would be wise to keep the new ones quarantined for a few weeks. But with one old hen, I wouldn't bother.

Your friend of your friend could raise a couple baby chicks, and at six weeks of age, introduce them as I recommended above.

 

[bj taylor]

i have no suggestions, i'm just amazed how creatures have 'friendships' & such. it's so precious.

 

[hannakat]

Thank you for the suggestions. I will pass them on and hope she can work something out.